Cone-beam computerized tomography evaluation of condylar changes and stability following two-jaw surgery: Le Fort I osteotomy and mandibular setback surgery with rigid fixation.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the changes of the condylar axis, the anteroposterior condylar position relative to the glenoid fossa, and post-2-jaw surgery stability.

STUDY DESIGN

All of the patients (12 male, 14 female) were assessed by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) before surgery, after surgery, and at follow-up. CBCT images were referenced to assess skeletal stability, the condylar axis change, and the anteroposterior condylar position in the glenoid fossa. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (P = .05) also was performed.

RESULTS

The skeletal changes between postsurgery and follow-up (P < .05) were insignificant. Both the axial condylar angles and the anteroposterior condylar position significantly differed among the groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery, the coronal condylar axis was rotated inward. The anteroposterior condylar position in the glenoid fossa had moved from the anterior to the concentric position, tending to return slightly toward the original position. These changes did not negatively affect the stability.